Iran Sends New Signal to Trump About Nuclear Talks

NEWSWEEK_Aug15th2025

By Amir Daftari

Iran’s top security official, Ali Larijani, said Tehran would “respond positively” to talks with the United States if Washington rules out further military intervention.

Speaking to Lebanon’s Al-Mayadeen network late on Thursday, Larijani outlined conditions for engagement as European powers pressed Tehran to resume nuclear talks before the end of August or face sanctions.

Newsweek has contacted the U.S. State Department and Iran’s Foreign Ministry for comment.

Why It Matters

Larijani’s remarks tie the prospects of diplomacy to the aftermath of a 12-day conflict in which Israeli and U.S. strikes severely damaged Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure, signaling a potential shift in Tehran’s strategic thinking. The E3—France, Germany, and the U.K.—have set a late-August deadline for renewed nuclear talks, warning that failure to do so could trigger the return of full U.N. sanctions under the so-called “snapback” mechanism.

The outcome carries global stakes, as renewed hostilities or sanctions could destabilize energy markets, heighten regional tensions, and complicate broader international security efforts.

What to Know

Larijani is the newly appointed secretary of the Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. His remarks are a signal of Tehran’s willingness to negotiate with the U.S. if Washington accepts that military action cannot achieve peace.

Negotiations are “only useful when both sides accept and understand they cannot achieve their goals through war,” he said, in what appeared to be a careful recalibration of Iran’s strategy after costly military confrontations this summer.

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